Overfall

Sam Wintripp, recently retired from a lucrative private investigation practice, is sailing with his dog near the Queen Charlotte Strait when he spots a woman in the distance, running on a narrow trail above the shore. Chased by those who mean her harm, she plummets into the cold and angry water below. Somewhat reluctantly, Sam is drawn into action (and out of retirement) rescuing a Ms. Anna Wade, who turns out to be an Oscar winning, $20 million per picture actress. More importantly, Anna has some information regarding her brother that his captors (and her pursuers) want very much to retrieve.With this beginning, Dun launches into to a taut and well written thriller which is sure to please his growing base of fans. As with his prior two novels, there is a developing and believable romance between the primary players, Sam and Anna. But his latest novel is a bit more ambitious than the prior two -- broader in scope and ultimately more satisfying. Dun does a nice job with fairly complicated scientific elements and technical discriptions. As always, he avoids talking down to his readers, and puts his trust in their ability to keep up with the plot while following its scientific underpinnings. His characters are well developed, and he includes enough sub-plots to add interest and texture. Dun's writing in this latest effort is always good enough to draw the reader through the various plot twists, but at times it's even better than that, showing Dun's maturation as a thriller novelist.Overfall is another fine effort from Mr. Dun. With this thinking person's thriller, Dun shows again that tight plotting and well developed characters is the key to success. As a reader, it's nice to have someone new to turn to as "the formula" for some of the old standbys is beginning to get a little old.

I was intrigued with this story right from the first few pages. It's a super sleuth story with a pretty good love angle and lots of action. Sam the hero is not your usual macho guy given the blend of back woodsy Native American mysticism woven into his character. It's a nice touch that take's him out of the crowd of action heros. In Overfall Sam is confronted with a number of brain altered people and sets about trying to discover the reason. He is hired by Anna, a celebrity, whose genius brother is suffering from an unknown ailment that soon takes on sinister overtones. Of course it turns out to be the tip of the iceberg and Sam ends up trying to unravel a far reaching plot while he tries to keep everybody important alive. Grady the ex-stripper is another unique and memorable character and Dun does a good job of bringing in another mind catching point of view.

Another great book - I couldn't put it down. I thought it was wonderful the way Dun made Sam a Tilok descendent since I loved the Tilok proverbs in "Necessary Evil." If you like adventure and romance, you definitely should read this book. Five Stars!

Dun's formula is a little different than the norm and that helps. It's not the same old International conspiracy nor is it a typical who-done-it. The romance is great, well developed, as is the female character Anna. Sam is an expert in corporate espionage and terrorism and works free lance. Dun does this in a convincing way that seems novel although there are some parallel ideas floating around in other books. But it is fresh when Dun does it and he makes you believe that a guy might just have a business like Sam's. When we meet Sam he suffering from old wounds and is in semi-retirement. That part isn't original but the way Sam comes out of retirement is very well done. Although I haven't read his other books I understand that Dun is the master of the chase and he certainly proves it in this very fun thriller. I give it the highest rating because the total package really entertains.

This is Dun's third book, it obviously bears his signature action sequences that are, as usual, creative and spell binding. This is his best effort to date. Unlike his first two books the story moves around the world and the plot is a bit complex. The suspense is even better and the book is very compelling. Sam is an intriguing character with a fascinating profession. A self anointed bachelor, Sam is clever, sympathetic, and dashing but seems to suffer (or revel) in a sense of adventure and detachment where women are concerned. The bad guys in this book are really well done, there is more than one, and they create a great subplot. Sort of like those fighting fish that try to eat each-other. The book is driven by suspense and great characters and is a must read.